The Change Makers Award is recognizes policymakers on the state or federal level who have advocated for ending cannabis prohibition in the interest of fiscal policy, personal liberty, medical alternatives, and/or equal justice.

“This award is well justified and well earned. Representative Garrett certainly took the mantle of a change maker as a freshman Republican representative who almost immediately introduced legislation to repeal federal marijuana prohibition,” said Robert Capecchi, Director of Federal Policies, Marijuana Policy Project, “At its heart, federal marijuana prohibition is just another example of federal government overreach and repealing this failed policy is something all Republicans concerned with limited government should support. Representative Garrett may be ahead of the curve, but he is certainly leading the charge.”

The Change Makers Award recognizes policy makers on the state and federal level who have advocated for ending cannabis prohibition in the interest of fiscal policy, personal liberty, medical alternatives and/or equal justice. The award recipient is selected via online voting. In 2016, the inaugural Change Makers Award was presented to Delaware State Senator Margaret Rose Henry. The Change Makers Award ceremony takes place on the main stage at the National Cannabis at 2:45pm.

“National Cannabis Festival is delighted to recognize the important contributions of Congressman Tom Garrett,” said festival founder, Caroline Phillips. “His selection by our attendees reaffirms that cannabis legalization is an issue with strong bipartisan support.”

The National Cannabis Festival takes place on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Additional speakers include: Dr. Jill Stein, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Councilmember David Grosso. The festival is capstoned by headlining performances by Talib Kweli and The Pharcyde. General admission tickets are available for $35 via www.nationalcannabisfestival.com/tickets and all Ticketmaster locations. Annual VIP memberships are available for $255.

About National Cannabis Festival: The National Cannabis Festival is the “Rock the Vote” event for the cannabis community, celebrating progress on legalization of marijuana in D.C. and across the nation through live music, art, advocacy, and exhibitions. The festival was designed to recognize the spirit of the cannabis movement and the nonprofit groups that have fought for so long to end marijuana prohibition.

The Festival Story: In early 2015, a group of cannabis policy advocates, business owners, and enthusiasts joined together around the idea to create The National Cannabis Festival, an event celebrating progress on marijuana legalization in D.C. and across the nation. We envisioned creating a festival recognizing the spirit of the cannabis movement and the nonprofit groups that have fought for so long to end marijuana prohibition.

Attendees enjoyed a full-day concert headlined by hip hop legends De La Soul, education sessions, yoga, games, contests, food, and drinks. Taking place just one mile from the United States Capitol Building, the first-ever National Cannabis Festival displayed the diversity in age and culture of the cannabis community. Visit us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or on our website for more information.